Dannii Minogue has opened up for the first time about her rumoured feud with Cheryl Cole, insisting that X Factor boss Simon Cowell favours her younger rival.

The former popstar admits that since the Girls Aloud singer joined the panel of judges she has been faced with some hard realities about her place on the show.

Dannii told the News of the World, “I guess Simon and I don’t talk much any more, definitely nothing like last year when I was next to him on the panel and was also the new girl.

“He moved me away from him and now sits next to Cheryl and is in her ear all the time. It is a snub but I’m fine.”

She added, “This year has been very emotional and I admit I’ve struggled to deal with it all, especially with Simon, who is the biggest diva on the show.”